Glimpses into the Abyss

by Mary Higgs

"Glimpses into the Abyss" by Mary Higgs is a social research study written in the early 20th century. The book explores the harsh realities of vagrancy, poverty, and social disorder in England, drawing from firsthand investigations the author conducted over six years in various shelters and lodgings. Higgs's work aims to reveal the systemic failures in the treatment of vagrants and the underlying factors contributing to their plight, advocating for improved social legislation to address these issues. The opening portion of the work introduces the author’s extensive preface, where she outlines her research methodology and the motivations behind her explorations of vagrancy. It reveals her direct engagement with the destitute, detailing her efforts to provide shelter and assess their circumstances. Higgs describes her encounters with various cases of complete destitution, highlighting the progression of her social research from individual observations to a broader analysis of the national implications of poverty and vagrancy. She articulates her belief that understanding these social issues requires a scientific exploration of the underlying causes and an acknowledgment of the importance of reform in societal structures. This foundational context prepares readers for the following chapters that delve into specific aspects of vagrancy and proposed remedies.